Submalar Cheek Fillers: Your Guide to a Youthful Mid-Face

Sagging Cheeks? Submalar Fillers Offer a Lift (Without Surgery!)

Submalar cheek fillers are a popular cosmetic treatment designed to restore lost volume, lift sagging skin, and rejuvenate the mid-face area. This minimally invasive procedure can help you achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance without the need for surgery. 

If you're considering submalar cheek fillers, this article will guide you through everything you need to know.

Why Do Cheeks Lose Volume & Sag?

As we age, our faces undergo a variety of changes that can leave our cheeks looking sunken and less defined. Understanding the processes behind these changes is key to appreciating how submalar cheek fillers can help.

Bone Resorption

The very structure of our facial skeleton changes over time.  The cheekbones gradually lose density and shrink, contributing to a flatter mid-face appearance.

Fat Pad Alterations

Our facial fat pads, which provide youthful plumpness, naturally shrink and descend with age.  This leads to hollows and less defined contours.

Skin Elasticity Loss

With less collagen and elastin production, our skin loses its ability to 'bounce back', causing sagging and a less sculpted look.

Muscle Tone Shifts

Even the muscles in our cheeks can weaken and change their position, further contributing to downward pull.

All these factors combined create the characteristic hollowed cheeks and sagging midface commonly associated with aging.

What Are Submalar Cheek Fillers?

Submalar cheek fillers are primarily made up of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that attracts and holds water.  When injected into the submalar region (below the cheekbone),  these fillers address the age-related volume loss and provide structural support.

• Restoring Volume: HA fillers act as a plumping agent, instantly filling in hollows and restoring youthful contours to the cheek area.
• Providing Structural Support: By strategically placing filler beneath the cheekbone, it can act like a support beam to lift sagging tissues and redefine the facial structure.
• Potential Collagen Stimulation:  Certain types of fillers can also stimulate your body's natural collagen production, leading to further improvement in skin firmness and elasticity over time.

The Submalar Cheek Filler Procedure

While the actual injection process is relatively quick, a successful submalar cheek filler treatment involves several key steps:

• Consultation: This is where you'll discuss your goals, concerns, and medical history with a qualified and experienced practitioner. They will examine your facial anatomy and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
• Preparation: Your skin will be cleansed, and a topical numbing cream might be applied to minimize discomfort.
• Injection Process: Using a fine needle or cannula, your injector will carefully place the filler into the submalar area. They will skillfully mold and shape the filler to achieve the desired results.
• Recovery: You can usually resume most of your normal activities right away. Some mild swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection site is common but typically subsides within a few days. 

Results & Benefits

Submalar cheek fillers offer numerous benefits to enhance your facial appearance:

• Immediate Volumizing Effect:  You'll notice the plumping and lifting results shortly after the treatment.
• Long-lasting Lift: Results can last for 12-24 months, depending on the specific filler used and your body's metabolism.
• Improved Facial Contours: By restoring volume and providing lift, submalar fillers help create more defined cheekbones and a youthful mid-face shape.
• Enhanced Facial Harmony: Restoring balance to the mid-face can improve the overall harmony and proportion of your facial features.
• Potential Skin Benefits: The hydration boost from hyaluronic acid fillers can lead to smoother, more radiant-looking skin.

Important Note: Individual results will vary. It's essential to have realistic expectations based on your unique facial structure and goals.

Risks and Considerations

While submalar cheek fillers are generally considered a safe procedure, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and considerations:

• Common Side Effects:  Bruising, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site are the most common side effects. These typically resolve on their own within a few days.
• Rarer Complications:  In rare cases, more serious complications can occur, including infection, allergic reactions, and vascular occlusion (filler blocking a blood vessel).
• Importance of Choosing a Qualified Injector: The skill and experience of your injector significantly impact the safety and outcome of your treatment.  Always choose a practitioner with specialized training and expertise in submalar cheek fillers.

Am I a Good Candidate for Submalar Fillers?

Submalar cheek fillers are a great option for many, but may not be suitable for everyone. Here's what makes a good candidate:

• Overall Health: You should be in good general health.
• Volume Loss in the Mid-face:  You have noticeable hollows or sagging below the cheekbones.
• Realistic Expectations: You understand the potential benefits and limitations of the procedure.
• Non-smoker: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.

Certain medical conditions or medications may make you unsuitable for submalar fillers. Thoroughly discuss your medical history with your potential injector.

Cost and Maintenance

The cost of submalar cheek fillers can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Type and Amount of Filler:  Different hyaluronic acid fillers have different price points. The amount needed will depend on your individual needs.
• Provider Experience and Location:  The expertise of your injector and the geographic location of the practice can influence the cost.
• Special Promotions:  Many practices offer discounts or specials from time to time.

Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from several hundred to a few thousand dollars per treatment session. Your injector can give you a more precise estimate during your consultation.

• Maintenance:  Results of submalar cheek fillers are temporary. To maintain your results, you will likely need touch-up treatments every 12-24 months.

Submalar Cheek Fillers vs. Other Options

Submalar cheek fillers are a versatile treatment, but it's helpful to understand how they compare to other facial rejuvenation options:

• Surgical Facelift:  A facelift offers more dramatic and longer-lasting results but involves surgery, significant downtime, and greater risks.
• Other Injectables: Submalar fillers can often be combined with other injectables like Botox or additional fillers in different facial areas to achieve a comprehensive rejuvenation plan.
• Skin Treatments:  Procedures like laser resurfacing or microneedling can improve skin texture and complement the effects of submalar fillers.

Conclusion

Submalar cheek fillers offer a safe and effective way to combat the signs of aging in the mid-face area. If you're bothered by hollows, sagging cheeks, or a loss of youthful contours, submalar fillers can help restore volume, provide lift, and create a more refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.

Important Reminder: Before deciding on submalar cheek fillers, it's crucial to do your research, consult with a qualified injector, and discuss your expectations and concerns. By choosing a skilled practitioner and understanding the procedure thoroughly, you can achieve beautiful and natural-looking results.

If you're interested in learning more about submalar cheek fillers and exploring whether they may be right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lanna Aesthetics today.